Nov 8, 2002 By Steve Ferris 3 min read

Sirens screamed and lights flashed from a fleet of police vehicles that coursed up and down Gallatin Avenue and its side streets and alleys in Uniontown Thursday night. A contingent of police officers led a group of crime-victim and law-enforcement advocates along the Gallatin Avenue sidewalk as they walked defiantly through one of the busiest neighborhoods.

“We stand united as one big police force,” Fayette County District Attorney Nancy Vernon said before the procession began. “If you want to commit a crime, you better go somewhere else.”

Vernon joined police from Uniontown, Connellsville, Masontown, Fairchance and state police, members of the Fayette County Crime Victim’s Center, Fayette County Crime Stoppers, Uniontown City Council and others in the first annual Night Out.

They selected the Gallatin Avenue area for show of solidarity and force because of the high incidence of crimes ranging from vandalism to drugs that occurs there.

Another message they hoped to send was that police need cooperation from residents in order the clean up the neighborhood.

“We need the help of the citizens,” Uniontown police detective Phillip Jones said.

“It’s about time we got together,” Uniontown Mayor James Sileo said.

“Crime is everywhere in the city. I’m sick of people being vandalized.”

City councilmen Bob Cerjanec and Joseph Giachetti also participated in the event.

“We want to stop crime and get criminals off the street,” said Darryl Smith of Crime Stoppers, one of the Night Out organizers.

“If you’re dealing drugs in Fayette County, you’re in a lot of trouble,” said chief Fayette County detective and former city police officer Lawrence Curry.

“In the 22 years I’ve been a cop, this is the first time I’ve seen this kind of cooperation with municipal and state police,” said Uniontown police chief Kyle Sneddon of the demonstration.

“In numbers, there’s strength.”

Trooper Brian Burden of the Uniontown barracks represented state police.

Fayette County Commissioner Ronald Nehls said the best way to combat crime is the change the attitude among youth.

“Change starts with attitude. We have leaders, we have teachers and we have organizations. It’s not just the job of the police department and Nancy Vernon, it’s all of ours. The values of life need to be taught in school.

“If we do this together, things are going to get better for Fayette County,” Nehls said.

Along with Crime Stoppers and city police, the crime victim’s center also helped organize the event.

“We hope to make citizens aware that we’re here to help victims and let criminals know they can’t scare people,” said Lisa Harvilla of the crime victim’s center.

“We’re here to support the police and the community.”